Thursday, June 21, 2012

USOC and Ravelympics

Being a business owner, entrepreneur, knitter, life-long fan of the Olympic Games and wife of an aspiring Paralympian, I have mixed feelings.

I absolutely agree with the issues related to trademark infringement. I completely disagree with stating that the Ravelympics inappropriately represents the ideals of the Olympic Movement or is disrespectful in anyway.

I have not participated in the Ravelympics before and was not planning to participate this year. However, I do plan to knit something specific to commemorate the London Paralympics, if my Husband is fortunate enough to be invited to participate.

I know first hand the level of effort, commitment and expense required to bring yourself to the very top of your game.

Yes, it's true. My husband is the one doing the work... pushing the miles, focusing his intention and peeing in a cup in front of witnesses. But I am the one supporting him.

I will, of course, watch the London Olympic Games. Because I love sport. I love that the athletes have dedicated themselves to becoming as good as they can be. And I love that they respect excellent performances by their competition regardless of where that competition happens to be from.

I will, most likely, be knitting. Because that's what I do when I'm watching TV.

I would love to knit while watching the London Paralympic Games as well, but sadly there will be no domestic broadcast on the networks of NBC for those Games.

Honestly, I totally get that they don't want Ravelry to use the term. I agree that it was the tone of the letter that was wrong. A standard C&D letter would have been much better. However, I thought the update was even a little rude...requesting handknit items be sent. Like they're little trifles that take only moments to complete. But, like you, I haven't participated in the "Ravelry Games" up to this point. And I probably won't. And I still like the Olympic games, and will likely still watch what interests me if I can.

I just saw this article in the news and thought 'how is this less demeaning to the athletes of the olympic spirit than having a knitting competition in honour of it'http://au.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olympics-fourth-place-medal/allyson-felix-jeneba-tarmoh-tied-track-field-officials-040203855--oly.html

About Me

My husband and I returned to Colorado in 2009 to live a simpler life.
Right now the goal of simple means we are busy. Busy fixing up our farm, raising Alpacas and Tibetan Mastiffs, racing wheelchairs, testing software and building Alpacamundo.
This blog is about these and the other things going on in my head. I hope you find it interesting, useful and inspiring.